Diazinon available for agricultural uses

MANA (Makhteshim Agan of North America, Inc.), the sole U.S. registrant and manufacturer of diazinon tech, has announced diazinon insecticide is readily available and registered for use in agricultural crops.

The only other manufacturer of the pesticide has announced it is withdrawing its support of the compound's Section 3 registration.

MANA officials said its diazinon will be sold under the existing agricultural use label until an amended agricultural label is issued.

MANA diazinon is available in two formulations: AG 500 and 50WP.

“MANA is the sole defender of diazinon uses in the United States and the only company responsible for current and future registrations,” said a company spokesman.

“The amended label, prepared by MANA is the result of the Interim Re-registration Eligibility Decision announced by EPA in July 2002, is pending EPA approval.”

He said the amended ag-only label will be available at a later date, possibly as early as spring.

“There has been a bit of confusion in the market,” said Rick Beardmore, product manager. “When the other diazinon registrant announced it was pulling out of diazinon altogether, including their ag uses, many believed all sources for the active dried up.

“MANA has a commitment to product stewardship and to working with EPA in support of the IRED amended label for agricultural use,” said Beardmore. “We also had a lot of industry support, for which we are grateful.”

Supporting MANA with IRED labeling are many commodity and grower associations interested in preserving access to diazinon.